An attempt at an ongoing mass biography of the officers and men of the 38th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, during the First World War

Sunday, 4 November 2012

Private William David McHerness

Born on 20 April 1885 in Combermere, Ontario - son of John McHerness, Combermere, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Combermere, Ontario; trade as farmer; single; no current or previous military service; Church of England; height of 6 feet 2 inches; chest of 40 inches fully expanded; weight of 185 pounds; dark complexion; grey eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 130th Battalion, CEF, in Pembroke, Ontario, on 8 March 1916 (number 788885) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 14 or 15 November 1916 - invalided sick to England on 27 November 1918 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 4 April 1918 - killed in action on 26 April 1918 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte McHerness's inscription on the Vimy Memorial that I took in August 2012).